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You can get the Win8 Pro upgrade for 15 € if you have a legal copy of Win7 by going to windowsupgradeoffer.com, or for 30 € if you have (an illegal copy of) XP/Vista/7 by using the Win8 Upgrade Assistant.

If you want the 15 € (I don't know how many dollars that might be, 20 bucks perhaps?) upgrade, it doesn't matter how old or new your computer is. You can just lie about the age of your machine, where you bought it and what the make and model are. As long as you just set the buying date to later than June 2nd 2012. They don't have any means to check it, they just send you the discount code. I told them my computer is "Asus P8Z77-VLK", which is just the motherboard I have.

A friend of mine tested the Upgrade Assistant with a cracked copy of 7, and it offered a 30€ upgrade to Win8 Pro for him.

I'm downloading Win8 now, can't wait to get to install it. Paid the 15 euros for it. Not bad :pReply

If MS is willing to let you upgrade for 15/30 Euro and they don't put effort into checking things out, it's their problem I suppose. I doubt the big OEMs pay more than 15 Euro for the OS on the systems they ship, so MS is basically getting more than the nothing a pirate would normally pay. But yeah, if you're willing to lie just to get $15 or whatever, that's your call.Reply

Either way, the only party making an unethical transaction in this case is the one lying to get a new, innovative, possibly frustrating product at a price intended for people who haven't had much use yet out of their legal license.Reply

Umm, I thought that was possible with XP, Vista and 7 as well. No one I know bought a retail version of those, they all got OEM versions because they are so much cheaper. And the only difference is the pretty box you don't get with the OEM version.Reply

It's more then just the box. OEM copies are(legally) bound to the motherboard you install it on, retail isn't. Supposedly the retail copy is also less of a hassle to activate, with none of the call-Microsoft-to-enter-your-48-digit-code-and-talk-to-a-representative-in-India procedures. Of course you could probably buy three OEM copies instead of one retail, so it's up to you if that's worth it.Reply

I don't think any license will do that... I assume all the digital versions MS offer will work like the Dreamspark one does in that it gives you an iso for the disc and a proper license key. Yes, you will have to reactive Windows when you change hardware but that's just a click of a button, it just makes sure you aren't using the same license on several computers.

Actually, that's not how it works. An OEM license (and all Windows 8 licenses appear to be OEM) is tied to the motherboard of the computer, and are not transferable.

I am under the impression that you can sometimes convince Microsoft to transfer the license in the event of a motherboard failing, when the same model isn't available to replace it, but I don't believe they are obligated to do so.Reply

In my experience it's generally not much of a hassle. Now they just set you up with an automated system and you enter the original keys and they give you a new one. If or when you do go through a live person they just ask a question whether the copy is installed on multiple machines which the answer "no" is all that's needed.

I've been using OEM copies of XP and Win 7 with Vista being the only retail version I've owned (bought it cheap through my college). Reply

yes, I've reactivated OEM licenses many times, even after replacing the mainboard, and have never once had Microsoft deny the activation. Most of the time the online activation works without hassle, and in the maybe 20% of cases where I've had to activate by phone the automated activation system usually worked (annoying though it is). Only in small fraction of cases have I ever spoken to a real person, and each time all that was needed was to answer "one" to the question "how many computers is this copy of Windows installed on?". Sometimes they also ask why it's being re-activated, and I've answered "hard drive failure", "virus", "clean re-install for new employee", and even "mainboard failure" and the reaction is always the same: "ok, I have your activation code ready".

Microsoft could choose to be a LOT more ticky-tack about this than they are. Reply

The point isn't just that Windows 8 hibernates fast; we'll have the full rundown of boot/shutdown/hibernate/resume times with our Windows 8 article. Let's just say that the hibernate chart shown here isn't an anomaly; boot and shutdown times are similarly improved (even with a laptop running an HDD).Reply

That's fair enough, but the only reason I ever need to reboot is because MS just installed a load of updates, so the rest of the time I effectively get a 2 second startup - only its better then that because all my programmes are already running. The only reason to reboot is if the OS is so knackered that it needs regular reboots to keep working properly. Fortunately windows 7 is pretty good on that front.

Equally the only reason to use hibernate on a laptop is if you battery is completely gone and you'll be carrying it around a lot. For most just getting it to sleep, with automatic hibernate if no one uses it for 12 hours is fine. Being as I haven't used it for 12 hours I don't really care it managed that automatic hibernate in 10 or 20 seconds.

So my original point still stands - if MS already gives me an OS that can sleep in 2 seconds, why should I care if I can now do a hibernate in 10 seconds?Reply

Hibernate is better, and almost as fast now. Let me reverse your statement: If MS gives me an OS that can hibernate in 10 seconds, why should I care if I can sleep in 2 seconds?

Then there's also hybrid boot, which 99% of the time can replace traditional cold boots, so even shutting down the machine entirely is a great option, unless you have some specific reason to sleep/hibernate. You can still force a cold boot if necessary.Reply

The real difference is for laptop users with whole disk encryption. Sleep does not protect your drive as well as hibernate or a full shutdown. If you are (overly IMO) serious about security, hibernate is the only option.

Granted, my company requires that I hibernate my computer if I leave my office, as they are under the mistaken belief that there is critical proprietary information on the machine (hint: there isn't, but I'm sure that someone at the company that has a company laptop does have that) so they want that protected the most.

Hibernate forces you to back to the initial boot up process, which prompts for your decryption key, which sleep doesn't do.Reply

3 replies.USB removal goes wrong - never had a problem, works fine as windows 7 does know how to handle this -it'll clear cache, etc before sleeping or hibernating.Hibernate is better with no reason why. Can't answer that as no reason given - sleep basically does the same thing only faster.Laptop encryption - fair enough but that's not a problem for me or most people.Reply

The performance improvements alone would be worth the upgrade, but Metro by itself is so butt ugly on a desktop/laptop and cumbersome to use with the mouse. I put a good bit of pride in my clean desktop, I really wish there was a way to disable Metro altogether and get my start menu back. Reply

The "performance improvements" won't be noticable at all to you. If you upgrade based on that, don't. Its like FPS in games, you really thing 200fps vs 205fps is going to help you out somehow?

The only notable improvement is boot/hibernate, which no desktop user cares about honestly. I can see the MS commercial now "YES i can get to logon screen 5 seconds faster now than before!" But the user takes a minute to remember password. Reply

I like hybrid boot quite a bit on desktops, TYVM. I appreciate faster boot times, and I don't need to stop and think to remember my password. I can't think of anyone I know that does, at least for their Windows login - they use it all the time. Maybe if they needed to remember their password to a specific site...

Anyway it almost sounds to me like you're complaining about performance improvements. If it was 5% SLOWER than Win7, people would be pissing up a storm. Even though, as you say, it wouldn't be noticeable typically - although I have to question your "200 fps". For a cheap software upgrade it is a nice boost to performance, especially since in demanding games you're probably not getting 200FPS at very high settings. If you are, you probably shit gold coins and already have 4 copies of Windows 8 just for the hell of it. One for each GPU you own.

If you're getting more typical frame rates, out of a more affordable system, the extra performance is very welcome. Especially if you get one of the download-only upgrades and back it up to a DVD. This is even more true if you recently bought your system and are eligible for the $15 Pro upgrade! I can't think of any component I can upgrade for $15 that would give me this kind of performance boost.

Oh, and for the consumer purchasing a budget machine with a mechanical HDD, the difference between Win7 cold boot and Win8 hybrid boot is pretty substantial. Especially if it is a laptop, and they just buy whatever cheap model they can afford.Reply

I'm surprised how smooth "Metro" is on desktop. It's not ideal by far but not the catastrophe that many people said it was. I'll have to use more of this to see how good/bad it really is but positive surprise. Maybe it's because I had low expectations :P Reply

So why does MS have to make everything so complicated. Their download upgrade offer states any machine running XP, Vista, 7 is eligible for the $39.99 upgrade. Why don't they provide an option to purchase multiple keys at the same time?

The stupid Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant has to be run each time to purchase a single key. I do consulting for an office and they want 23 copies, why do I have to run the assistant 23 times and enter a CC number every single time to be able to upgrade all PCs. There is no reason why you should be penalized with purchasing a $69.99 upgrade en-masse (over 70% price hike vs download) to end up with several stickers or cds... grrrrrReply

Furthermore, the free WMC update is nowhere to be seen. Everyone who has updated and requested keys has not gotten them... So you pay you loose, would have been better off getting it the other way...Reply

So Microcenter has a deal right now for win8 upgrade disc for $38 ($41.41 after taxes) instead of charging the full $70. When I opened it up I was very happy to find that is has both the 32 and 64bit discs inside, so when I get around to upgrading my other computers I can just purchase licences online, and then reuse the discs to install 32bit on my netbooks, and 64bit on the desktop. Much simpler than fiddling with the download managers, and then transferring it to a USB or DVD for install. Again... not worth the extra $30 for the 'privileged' of getting a disc compared to a DL, but if you happen to have a Microcenter nearby it is a deal you do not want to pass up.

Plus, MS is giving the media center (DVD playback functionality for WMP) for free to users who purchase before January. So that is another $20-30 saved.

In short, if you have any chance of upgrading, you will want to do it now before everything gets expensive, because Win8 (as much as I happen to like it), is not worth the $140 you need to purchase it outright, or the $70 for the upgrade package.Reply

*In short, if you have any chance of upgrading, you will want to do it now before everything gets expensive, because Win8 (as much as I happen to like it), is not worth the $140 you need to purchase it outright, or the $70 for the upgrade package.*

That is some niave thinking. A.) That price is the Pro version. B.) It's an operating system, you know the one thing that allows you to do everything else on your system C.) That is the cheapest a full legal retail license of a MS OS yet. D.) That's the price of the most feature rich version, of the latest MS OS, with the most compatibility with applications people use.

I am all for people not wanting to use Win8 because they like 7 better. But 8 at $140 for pro is worth it, if you need a full license copy. Whether or not you yourself would be willing to pay that amount. For most people the $40 dollar version is going to cover them for a long time. Reply

A couple guildies got it, first thing they did was make desktop look like win 7. That is a great sign considering they are in college, the core market for MS. lol

I say a couple guildies, this certainly does not have anyone running out to get it like win 7 did with everyone I play with. Most people did not even know win 8 was close to release because did not hear anything noteworthy about it. Reply

That sounds like an opinion of someone who hasn't used the OS yet! Honestly, if you dont want to use metro apps, the ONLY difference is the start menu is now full screen rather than a small window. The desktop already looks like win7, there is nothing else you need to tweak to revert any changes. The start screen is by far much more functional than the start menu was. Then you have the added bonus of using metro apps if you so desire.Reply

988? I find it hard to believe you have anywhere near that many applications installed on your computer. But the start screen has plenty of space to store tons of application shortcuts. And if you insist on having a start menu then get classic shell and you can have your tree style structures shortcuts again. Reply

I make my living from my PC. Most applications include 5 or more items in their folders. And yes, I did a dir /s on my start menu tree a few months ago and it was 988. It's more now actually. And in Windows 8 under all apps, they'll all show up as a gigantic mess of icons stretching out to infinity. Not my idea of good organization.

Windows 8 doesn't provide any benefit to me. I do have it installed dual boot simply because I cannot develop Windows Store apps without VS 2012 and Win 8 installed.Reply

You did not make a copy of the installer? e.g. USB or ISO? If not, then look for the hidden folder C:\ESD. The files should be there in the machine where you downloaded it. Back that up and use it to create a USB keychain.Reply

Using upgrade assistant you can choose to create an .ISO file. I did this and saved the copy. I also did a fresh install without having win7 pre-installed, and it accepted it just fine. So the 39.99 upgrade didn't actually require a preinstalled OS to install. I assume the upgrade assistant verifies you have a qualifying OS first then makes the ISO file preauthorized for full install.Reply

You can run upgrade assistant in one computer then create USB or ISO and install in a different computer. So if you already had Windows 8 Pro installed and just needed to buy the key, you could run upgrade assistant in other machine (even a VM), buy, download, then use the key in your other computer.Reply

Enjoying it so far. It's like Win7 with more features! It is a little confusing running desktop apps and metro apps at the same time, but besides that it works great. To me the OS runs faster than 7 in every regard. Task manager is extremely informative. Windows explorer's ribbon menu is laid out very well. The start screen is a lot more useful than I originally imagined. In win7 I would only use the start menu to search for apps and launch control panel. Now my start screen has all my apps easily lined up without cluttering my desktop. I look forward to getting a win8 tablet so I can easily sync my machines together. It takes a little getting use to but It's getting better by the hour. I do like metro apps to load up free games, software and utilities without having to go to an add littered site like download.com. Thumbs up MSReply

I just upgraded to it and I like it overall. There are of course plenty of things to the metro interface that can be improved for the desktop, but I think the added functionality to the start menu far outweighs the areas that can be improved. I like that Microsoft Security Essentials is now included in Windows Defender (which can be disabled and then you can install another anti-virus). I like that they added ribbon to windows explorer. It has way more things accessible in the ribbon itself.

I rarely actually used the start button in 7 since I hold all my important folders and commonly used applications pinned to the taskbar which I still do now. Now I actually use the start menu so far. If it gets an Amazon Video app then I'll probably be in there more often.

The metro IE runs real fast but I still probably won't use it especially because it won't even run if it isn't the default browser. Make chrome or firefox default and the IE shortcut starts opening the desktop version. Reply

After a few hours with it, still setting it up, etc... I don't see what ALL the hate is about. Some hate, sure.... but it is not a Vista since its actually a bit faster than Win 7 and can use Win 7 drivers. The hate is really all about the UI and of course the writing on the wall about where the OS is going.

The problem is that it is really 2 OSes cobbled into one.

The start menu is replaced by the tiles interface and Windows RT OS (ie. the tablet OS, ie. the Xbox360 UI.)

However there is a desktop tile. Hit that and you are basically back in Win7 OS land, minus the start menu. In its place is an icon that takes you back to tiles. You can right click it and get a very handy menu though. I think you can even default Win8 to logging into the desktop tile somehow so never have to see the tiles if you don't want to.

The other big stumbling block is understanding the difference between Apps (capital A apps) and desktop applications aka legacy apps.

Starting with the desktop, its the same Win7 desktop we all know and love. It is traditionally multi-threaded and does its thing with desktop programs, services, steams games, etc. but there are also capital A Apps. Think of them like the old widgets. They also run and you can switch from them and the desktop pretty easily. Its here were the UI interaction falls down a bit. The Apps and the tiles basically live in the foreground.... they really have no interaction with the desktop, can't be pinned to the desktop taskbar or the desktop itself or alter it in any way (they can be pinned as a tile and the start bar there) but that overlays the desktop. Its like the desktop runs as an app itself.

Likewise desktop apps can't interact with live tiles either, save the desktop tile, which shows a thumbnail of your desktop, so I guess it could work full screen, but only one desktop app at a time and only if it is full screen.

You can use and see the Apps as an overlay on the desktop (think hitting shift-tab while in a game running through steam, you get the overlay where you can do some things... only this includes launching a mail app, netflix, etc. The sky is the limit depending on whats in the app store).

Another neat feature is that you can pin a Win8 app, such as netflix to the side as 1/3rd of the screen, and pin the desktop to the other 2/3rds... work and watch netflix on one screen. ;-) Not sure how this would work multi-monitor but that is neat.

However in their greed they really did gimp it. It would be much better if you could have desktops apps create a live tile or RT apps interact more with the desktop. However, desktop apps aren't curated via the app store so MS won't get their cut and hence the arbitrary restriction of no desktop apps with live tiles. I think they really missed an opportunity here (or artificially created another one depending on how you look at it.)

Otherwise, so far so good. Im giving it a qualified nice BUT no reason to upgrade from 7 if you are happy with your current functionality or have a touchscreen.

I didn't touch on storage pooling, etc. and a few other nuts and bolts that make it nice as a home server (which is my intended use). That and acting as my HTPC as well it is an upgrade over Win7 I think.

The one app I tried, other than the Mail app (linked to my hotmail account) was Netflix. The Netflix app is hardware accelerated so would allow HD playback on an Atom ION or E350 box. This is an upgrade over regular PC and the website and silverlight. However its UI as designed requires a mouse and is optimized for touch. It is a snazzy app but its not meant to be used with a PC I think. That is not MS' fault, its lazy Netflix app makers not making it work with just the keyboard. Even better if it could use the MCE remote. The UI of the app itself would lend itself to a 10' UI but with no practical way to interact with that UI its useless at 10'. The MCE Remote works fine in XBMC in Win8 desktop but I am not sure if the MCE Remote can interact with Windows RT apps, it does work for selecting between tiles.Reply

Bought the boxed disk at Office Works in Australia. I haven't installed it but there's no sign of the word "upgrade" anywhere on the pack.

It looks to be the full system builder version.

Mickysoft don't seem to care about licensing this time, as witnessed by the $15 licenses available with no proof of purchase and the media pack available for the asking, just supply an email address.. Are they planning on getting all their money from apps in future?Reply

The upgrade info says that has to be done fresh from the disk, how would someone with only a single XP machine get the best deal then? Are physical disks available for the same upgrade price?

Its not for me, im on 7x64 and will get the upgrade iso for 39.99 (for my second machine) Im just trying to work out what the lowest cost path for a couple of friends to update who only have XP 32bit machines.Reply